Dong Ho Folk Painting and Protection of Handicraft in the Context of Modernization

Prof. Dr. Tu Thi Loan
Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies

Abstract
  Dong Ho woodblock printing is one of four types of folk paintings in Vietnam with unique contents and artistic values. Dong Ho painting is both genuine, idyllic, profound and philosophical, which has been handed down from generation to generation to become an identity of Vietnamese culture. Dong Ho folk painting has made significant contributions to the development of contemporary art, inspiring new artistic creations in Vietnamese music, poetry and literature. However, due to the drastic changes of economic, cultural and social conditions, the handicraft of making Dong Ho folk painting is facing a high risk of disappearance.

  The article clarifies the reasons for the disappearance of this traditional handicraft in the context of modernization such as: social practices associated with Dong Ho folk painting are no longer available, the decline of good and knowledgeable craftsmen, the scarcity of materials for making Dong Ho painting, the competiveness among contemporary art forms, changes in tastes and aesthetics of the public as well as the narrowing of consumer markets, etc.

  On that basis, the article identifies a number of issues emerging to protect and promote the handicraft of making Dong Ho folk painting as a valuable cultural heritage of the country in the context of modernization.

Keywords: Dong Ho, folk painting, handicraft, protection, tradition, modernization